Lithuanians in Belarus

The history of ethnic Balts in what is now Belarus is evidenced by numerous archaeological finds, hydronyms and toponyms. The territory of modern Belarus was inhabited solely by Balts from at least 2nd millennium BC. Written sources mention that Lithuanians lived in the Orsha District. From the 13th century to the end of the 18th century, all of modern Belarus belonged to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In 1920–1939, Western Belorussia was ruled by the Second Polish Republic. Subsequently, priest Viktoras Kurgonas established the Lithuanian National Committee () in Grodno and collaborated with Albinas Levickas. Both of them fluently spoke German and supported starving Lithuanians. At the time, the St. Mary's Church (Vytautas the Great's Church) was allocated to the Lithuanians in Grodno and Lithuanian religious services were held in it. However, all schools were closed in the aftermath of World War II with the Soviet re-occupation of Lithuania. During the Soviet occupation, most of the prominent Lithuanian cultural and political figures were executed or deported to Siberia, including the Lithuanian communists. 1945–1990 Post-war years saw active migration of Lithuanians to the Lithuanian SSR and increased urbanization. By 1970, 69% of Lithuanians in eastern/central regions lived in cities; by 1989, this rose to 74%. Despite petitions to Soviet leadership, Lithuanian schools remained closed until 1956–1957, when 8 schools were opened in the Voranava and Astravyets districts. Over time, their number was reduced to three: in Hiry, Rymdziuny, and Pelesa. == Current situation (1990-present) ==